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California Boosts RPS to One-Third Renewables by 2020

A new California law requiring public utilities to get one-third of their electricity from renewable energy in less than a decade took effect on April 13. Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed the legislation, which increases California's current 20% renewables portfolio standard (RPS) target in 2010 to a 33% RPS by December 31, 2020. This makes it the highest such standard in the United States.

Brown said the measure would stimulate new jobs, improve air quality, promote energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also indicated that with further renewable resources coming online, he could envision a 40% RPS in the future. See the governor's press release and the text of the bill.